Shortly after I joined this excellent forum a couple of weeks back, I already
made up my mind and decided to go for the Nikon D 80 + the amazing
18 - 200 mm VR lens as soon as I've saved the money I need.

Now I'm confused again (something I really hate!!!) since a friend of mine
who owns a Nikon D 200 + the 18 - 70 mm kit lens told me to purchase that
camera, too because it has an alloy body, is weather-sealed and has many
features the D 80 lacks.

a friend of mine who owns a --INSERT HIS/HER KIT AS APPLICABLE-- told me to purchase that camera

What! Are you suggesting that any of us try to justify our purchases by persuading our friends to do the same thing.

A look at some of the pictures taken by forum members (Flickr etc) who own a Nikon D 80 + the 18 - 200 mm VR lens is enough to show that you won't be disappointed with that choice. Zorro's post here echoes that view.

If you need or want the D200 then go for it and enjoy. But it might be the photographic equivalent of a set of graphite shafted golf clubs for the 10 handicapper - I write as one tempted down that path too often!

That one is really nice The only difference is that on the golf-course you can immediately see the handicap, whereas with the photos you take your talent is only revealed in the privacy of your own rooms...
-------------------
But to answer your question John_0812, stay with what you've planned, you're reading the post of a totally satisfied owner of that gear And remember: "There's always a bigger fish..." (Those of you who know where that quote came from are awarded a roaring applause )

Your confusion John_0812 is well known, accept my sympathies!
But on a lighter note, it's only a camera you choose, may non of your problems ever be any harder than this Back to your prob: if you already have managed to set aside a budget around 1500EUR, you are certainly going to be very satisfied with what you can buy for that money. And if you can invest 400EUR more for a D200 body instead of the D80 so be it, but you'll certainly not make better pics with the D200 body. So the question in the end remains: what are the additional features worth for you. And as the law of diminishing returns would suggest, these additional 400EUR will give you not so much satisfaction as the last 400EUR, that will buy you the Nikkor 18-200mm VR over the kit lens.
If you're able to invest 400ER more, why not think about
- a Nikon SB-800 flash (350EUR): much more powerful than the built in one, can be used as a remote slave with gels, to adapt the flash-color to the ambient light, etc.
- a Sigma 10-20mm ultra-wide (if you can find a good-quality copy of this lens - be careful) (480EUR)
- A copy of the CaptureNX software to process your RAW-pics (100EUR)
- A copy of Photomatix HDR-processing software(100EUR)
- A stable tripod and head (200EUR)
I personally consider all these add-ons as more value and fun than an upgrade from D80 to D200 body.
Plus the sad story that everyone is agreeing upon is, that the body has the shortest lifespan of any of those investments. So don't overdo it in that department...

Shortly after I joined this excellent forum a couple of weeks back, I alreadymade up my mind and decided to go for the Nikon D 80 + the amazing 18 - 200 mm VR lens as soon as I've saved the money I need.

So if you like the look and feel of the D80, and can afford both that camera and the VR 18-200, then go with it!

What both Bob and tombomba2 were trying to say is that sometimes, a little improvement (or even the illusion of it) isn't worth the extra money and that, on the other hand, maybe someone who isn't a professional won't take full advantage of a very expensive piece of equipment.

Hi John, the D200 sure is a nice camera, but I'd only recommend it over the D80 if you NEEDED features like 5fps shooting, tougher build quality etc. Or of course if you simply like having higher-end products!

The D80 is a superb camera, and if buying it allows you to also invest in a superior lens from day-one, then that would be my personal choice. Put it this way, going for the D80 shouldn't be seen as a compromise, unless again you absolutely need the extra benefits of the D200.

Be aware though there is expected to be a Nikon announcement later this month, so you may want to wait and see if it heralds a new DSLR.